P: United 4 - 1 Blackburn
Scholes (62) Carrick (72) Park (82) Solskjaer (89) / Derbyshire (28)
Another thumping victory to keep the title firmly in view but at what price?
United’s injury curse struck again with brutal timing. After losing Gary Neville in the 4-1 romp at home to Bolton, Sir Alex watched in helpless agony as Nemanja Vidic was stretchered off early into another four goals to one victory. It was a crushing blow. With a dislocated shoulder diagnosed, Vidic’s season is over. Sir Alex’s has cover and can juggle his defensive resources but to lose his most improved defender so soon after being deprived of his captain and as the season reaches its climax, is cruel indeed.
The injury cast a long shadow over a game which should be remembered for the demonstration United offered of grit, determination and midfield power. It was a performance to savour and one that will make Sir Alex justly proud.
With Wayne Rooney in England form and Giggs looking drained after three matches in eight days, United’s midfield stole the show. Ronaldo was, as usual, a dazzle of twinkling feet. Park, emerging now as a poacher of some menace was as lively as Carrick was tidy but in Scholes, United had the game’s dominant force. The midfield veteran’s return to form this season has been a joy and the momentum, tenacity and precision he brings to United’s game, not to mention his goal threat was in full evidence again, on a day when United were made to work hard by a sometimes crude Blackburn side.
United were not flattered by the result and would have put seven past Blackburn’s wilting rearguard were it not for poor finishing and some inspired goalkeeping by Brad Friedel, who always seems to enjoy games against United.
The American keeper was called to action in the 14th minute when he parried Ronaldo’s shot directly into Rooney’s path and then spectacularly turned the England forward’s shot past the post. Rooney was denied again similarly 10 minutes later when closing in on goal. The youngster is being sheltered from criticism by the manager and with another mediocre performance, gave his doubters more reason to question his graduation from boy to man.
United, completely dominant in midfield, were building up a head of steam when disaster struck in the 25th minute as Vidic fell awkwardly under a challenge as he moved towards a cross in Blackburn’s penalty area.
The opposition capitalised on the sudden disarray and moved upfield, working the ball out towards the dangerous Pedersen on the left. His cross was deflected by Carrick towards goal, forcing the returning Edwin Van Der Sar to make an athletic save low down at his near post. But the Dutch master could do nothing as Blackburn’s striker Matt Derbyshire reacted first to the rebound and put the visitors ahead.
Blackburn were fortunate to be in the lead as half time approached. United returned determined to take the game to the visitors and Rooney and Carrick went close in the opening exchanges until United were rewarded for their endeavour. In the 62nd minute Rooney’s foraging close to the Blackburn goal created a glimmer of space for Scholes. Rolling back the years, the midfielder shimmied his way past three defenders before placing a slide rule shot past the distraught Friedel.
Now on equal terms, United pressed forward to claim the advantage. Ronaldo looked likely to score in the 64th minute until thwarted by Friedel. Three minutes later, Giggs whould have added to United’s tally but instead from just six yards, crashed his fierce shot onto the crossbar.
By now Blackburn were hanging on and United growing in confidence. In the 72nd minute, Ronaldo danced past a befuddled Tugay and his cut back evaded a crowd of defenders but not Michael Carrick who measured his sidefooted strike to leave Friedel with no chance.
Ronaldo confirmed his growing impact on the proceedings with a fierce free kick on 82 minutes which Blackburn’s overworked keeper couldn’t hold. Park was first to the rebound to make the game safe for United. The Korean then tried to exchange passes with Rooney seven minutes later but found instead substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian had been on the field only three minutes but in sight of goal, with only the keeper to beat, he made no mistake.
TEAM
United: Van Der Sar; Heinze; Vidic (O’Shea 28); Ferdinand; Brown; Giggs (Smith 84); Ronaldo (Solskjaer 84); Scholes; Carrick; Rooney; Park
Subs: Kuszczak, Richardson.
POST SCRIPT
Sir Alex: “I think we looked like a championship side. You would expect a championship team to show that kind of nerve, determination, drive, resolve. We had all that today. Everything you are looking for in a football team was there. There are just seven games to go - that makes me nervous now. But, without question, that was one of our best performances of the season and throughout the game they had a lot of handicaps. They had just come back from internationals, they had to overcome being 1-0 down, so to keep making chances and to keep their nerve and show their composure was fantastic.”
Mark Hughes: “The reason United are top of the league and champions-elect is that they are able to galvanise themselves when they are struggling.”
